Digital Commerce

Definition

• The buying and selling of goods online

Why Digital Commerce is Important

• Need to become intelligent consumers
• Consequences extend beyond accumulation of debt
• Not knowing how and where to buy can cause vulnerability to Internet scams and identity theft
• Unsure about how to shop for the best deal
• Do not know the hazards of providing sensitive information to insecure sites

Interesting Facts

• Generation Y (18-24) now spend $196 billion per year online
• Even if they don't purchase online, 29% of teens research products on the Internet before purchasing them in stores

Essential Questions

• Are students aware of the opportunities and problems associated with purchasing items using technology?
• Should students be made more aware of how to purchase goods and services through digital formats?

Digital Commerce Issues

• Online buying through commercial sites, auction sites, and other Internet locations
• Online selling through auction sites and other Internet locations
• Media subscriptions and purchases made through media software such as iTunes
• Buying and selling "virtual merchandise" for online games

Examples of Inappropriate Digital Commerce

• Students purchase goods online without knowing how to protect their identity

• Students fail to realize that poor online purchasing practices lead to poor credit ratings

Examples of Appropriate Digital Commerce

• Students become informed consumers so that they can safely purchase items online
• Students spend the time to research what they want to purchase, then take the time to identify "safe" sites with the best price

Resources

• Be Safe Online: Shopping Online
• InfoWorld Article Concerning Online Shopping